Brummies invited by Birmingham City Council to come together to shout 'alright bab' at special event
Brummies have been invited by Birmingham City Council and comedian Joe Lycett to celebrate the first ever International Day of Birmingham (IDOB) in town. The inaugural day, spearheaded by the TV star ahead of his new Sky Max and NOW show, takes place on Tuesday, September 24 and will be marked by a special celebration on Victoria Square from 3pm.
The council says that the celebrations will include a brass band-led parade to the sounds of Iron Man by Black Sabbath. It's understood that dhol drummers, a giant Chinese dragon-style bull, cheerleaders and stilt walkers will join the cavalcade.
Joe Lycett has been travelling around America recently, visiting every location in the states called Birmingham. Delegates from each have signed 'Friendship Agreements' that link them with our own Birmingham, forming what Joe Lycett is calling the 'United States of Birmingham'.
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On Tuesday, the Kings Heath comedian, with support from the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, will join delegates from other Birmingham as well as local dignitaries, members of Black Sabbath, UB40 and Dexy's Midnight Runners at a civic reception at the Council House.
Residents of all of the United States of Birmingham are invited to take part in a collective chant of 'Alright Bab' as part of the celebrations, something Joe Lycett hopes will become an annual tradition. Following the fun day in town, a Lycett-designed United States of Birmingham flag will be hoisted to a soundtrack of the specially-composed United States of Birmingham Fanfare.
Joe Lycett's United States of Birmingham TV show will launch in 2025 on Sky Max and NOW, chronicling his journey to America. The funnyman said: "International Day of Birmingham should be something we already celebrate, but I am thrilled to be joining the Lord Mayor in our inaugural celebration.
"I have travelled thousands of miles around niche and rural parts of America to help create this lasting legacy for all Birminghams, the greatest places on earth, better than dumps like London and Paris and New York, and link all Birminghams with the other Birminghams so that all Birminghams are friends with Birmingham."
The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Ken Wood, added: "As Lord Mayor of Birmingham, it is my great pleasure to welcome the launch of the inaugural International Day of Birmingham, a truly inspiring event that unites Birminghams across the world in a celebration of our shared heritage. This day marks a unique opportunity to connect with communities who share our proud name and spirit, stretching far beyond the borders of the UK.
"The creation of the 'Friendship Agreements' with other Birminghams in North America not only strengthens international bonds, but also reinforces the values of friendship, inclusivity, and community that define our great city.
"I invite all Brummies, near and far, to join us in Victoria Square for this extraordinary celebration and to proudly raise their voices as we celebrate the first-ever International Day of Birmingham."